Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healing system that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and wellness. One of the fundamental principles of TCM is the importance of movement and how it relates to overall health and balance. In this blog post, we'll explore the TCM perspective on movement and how incorporating regular exercise and physical activity can support overall health and well-being.
In TCM, the body is viewed as a system of channels or meridians that transport energy, known as Qi, throughout the body. The flow of Qi is believed to be essential for maintaining good health and balance. When the flow of Qi is hindered, it can lead to various health issues such as pain, fatigue, and mental and emotional imbalances.
Regular physical activity and movement are seen as crucial for maintaining the flow of Qi and overall health. Many diseases are caused by stagnation within the body. That means blood, fluids, tissues, and gasses don't have proper flow and start causing disease. You see this with stagnant water, and a huge percentage of us is water! Exercise helps to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the body's tissues, which in turn can help to stimulate the flow of Qi. This is why moderate aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming is often recommended in TCM.
In addition to aerobic exercise, TCM also places a strong emphasis on the importance of stretching, bending, and rotating the joints, as these movements help to open up the meridians and increase the flow of Qi. This is why practices such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong are considered highly beneficial in TCM.
TCM also suggests different types of exercises for different seasons, as per the principle of Yin and Yang, depending on the season and weather, the body will be more sensitive to certain types of exercises, during the hot summer months, gentle exercise like yoga or Tai Chi are recommended, as opposed to more vigorous exercises like running during the winter.
Furthermore, regular physical activity and movement can also help to support emotional and mental well-being. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve overall mood. This is in line with TCM, which emphasizes the importance of balancing the mind and body for overall health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, movement and physical activity play a vital role in maintaining overall health and balance. Regular exercise and physical activity can help to increase the flow of Qi and promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. So, if you're looking to improve your health and well-being, make sure to include regular exercise and movement as part of your daily routine. If you're too tired, in too much pain, or your autoimmune condition flares up when you exercise, please give us a call. We're here to help!